It is with great sadness that we report the death after a long illness of our hugely respected President, Michael Steed. Following his retirement from a notable academic and political career, Michael devoted a good part of his time and energy to the Canterbury Commemoration Society which he helped found and at various times served as a Trustee, Secretary, Treasurer, Chair, and President. He played a major role in planning, fund-raising, and commissioning Canterbury’s splendid commemorative statues of Queen Bertha, King Ethelbert and Geoffrey Chaucer. During the difficult time of the Covid pandemic, the survival of the Society depended largely on his dedication. His penetrating intelligence, quick wit and sharp humour ensured he was a widely recognised and appreciated figure in East Kent for many years, and our Society will undoubtedly be enfeebled by the absence of so dynamic a servant.

Those wishing to know more about Michael and his career before retirement may wish to consult the Wikipedia entry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Steed